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Eye Clinic Liaison

My name is Russ Stephenson and I work at Birmingham Midland Eye Centre as the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) I work alongside the Ophthalmology departments at City Hospitals alongside consultants, doctors and nursing staff. I provide patients whether recently diagnosed or with an on-going eye condition with practical and emotional support to help them understand their diagnosis so they can come to terms with their sight loss and maintain their independence.

Once a patient is referred from their consultant, the ECLO can then advise and explain to the patient the process of formal registration with a visual impairment and what it entails. Registration can provide a number of benefits to people living with sight loss. They can also provide advice on employment, managing within the home and any other difficulties or concerns they have concerning their eye condition.

ECLOs provide emotional support by spending dedicated time with all patients following their appointment. This can be to give advice and guidance as well as a listening ear so that they can discuss the impact the condition may have on their life. They can also give advice on money worries, employment, coping at home and any other difficulties they may have in a none medical way.

They can refer patients to a wide range of sight loss charities and organisations that can assist with Access Technology, Social Groups, Sport & Leisure Activities as well as Rehabilitation that will provide Mobility training, Orientation and Daily Living Skills within the home and the community.

ECLOs work in partnership with Focus Birmingham who provide volunteers to assist in the clinic to give additional advice and support to patients who are interested in the service. Having the volunteer’s helps as patients can also be referred by them if I am away from clinic.

ECLOs can supply a variety of information to help the patient understand their eye condition as well as dedicated material for any specific eye conditions.